Cool things to do in Downtown Raleigh

Next week, I am co-hosting an event in Raleigh called Genuine Hustle. We have 150 real estate agents coming from 34 different cities around the US and Canada. They are in search of inspiration and cool experiences. Hope this list will help get the adventure started.

Cool place to go for a run — Lake Johnson Park — Fantastic trail system surrounding a small lake. Some paved trails, some not. Most of the run is shaded so you can stay cool even if it’s warm outside. Walkers and bikes allowed, too.

Cool place to get coffee —Devolve Moto — part store, part coffee shop, part biker bar. 100% badass.

Cool place for really good food that is a little expensive but totally worth it — Death and Taxes. Ashley Christensen is a James Beard Award winning chef and an outspoken voice for equality in our communities. Pretty much all of her restaurants could make this list.

Cool place for buying vintage furniture, clothes, and records — Father and Son. They are experts in Mid-Century Modern furinture but there are tons of treasures to be discovered. I love buying records here.

Cool place for small plates and good drinks — Clockwork. Definitely find an excuse to go to the bathroom…tripy.

Cool place to feel like Willy Wonka — Videri Chocolate Factory. Plan on sampling handmade chocolates and truffles while you tour the factory. And if you like a good mocha, you won’t find a better one.

Cool place to see a clothing factory at work — Raleigh Denim is a company that makes high-end jeans sold at luxury stores like Barney’s and K-Frank. They are all hand made on vintage sewing machines. Super cool.

Cool place for a shot and a beer — Hibernian. It burned down a few years ago and they rebuilt it into a two story Irish Pub.

Cool place to watch a game —Carolina Ale House. Tons of TV’s, cold beer, decent bar food, huge outdoor patio located on the third floor above Glenwood Avenue.

Cool place to see a celebrity headstone — Speaking of sports, the legendary college basketball Coach Jim Valvano is buried in Historic Oakwood Cemetery. You probably remember his speech from the Espy’s in 1993.

There are SOOOOOO many more cool places in Downtown Raleigh but these are some of my favorites… for no reason in particular. Enjoy!